Trust Me

Trust Me?

Hang in there for a hot second, let’s dive in to this. Stay with me, it’ll make sense in the end. Trust me!

These proverbial phrases peddled to us in the context of marketing products, processes, and even within relationships. “Try this incredible new weight loss capsule, the pounds will melt away ─ it works [Trust me].” “Try these quick and easy steps to great success. It’s failproof [Trust me].” “I’ll never hurt you ─ you can rely completely on me [Trust me].”

Yes, all well intended, mostly. Nonetheless, leaving behind the sting of disillusion and mistrust. What’s the point here? We’re not there yet, hang on.

So, what does it mean to really trust? Walk with me, let’s explore another avenue.

In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus gives his disciples authority over unclean spirits, sends them off two by two instructing them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick, “take no food, no sack, no money ...” They could wear sandals and a tunic, but no extra tunic. An extra tunic would be a provision against the cold, and it was seen as a sign of wealth. He wanted them to live simply and trust in Him. There’s that word again.

Let’s review: He gave them authority over unclean spirits, traveling two by two, a walking stick, sandals, and one tunic. Pretty radical Jesus. So, really, what are you saying?

A walking stick is representative of power, authority, and ministry (think of Moses parting the Red Sea in Ex 14:21-29) ─ the presence of God. The walking stick means complete trust in God, like for real! No food for the journey means you might feel hungry, but He provides and sustains you. Here’s what He says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matt 6:26). No sack means no extras, no change of clothes, no snacks or water, nothing to barter with ─ no provisions. Nothing to bog you down or distract you on the long journey. No money means, well, no money. No chance for exchange of goods or services. It means you’re strongly encouraged (okay, maybe forced) to interact and rely on others, to experience His mercies and goodness in them and through them.

So, Jesus, you’re saying I take you at your [literal] word? Like permission to lean completely on Your promises? Uh huh, that’s [literally] correct. It means You empower me to boldly seek You on the journey in this life. It means [always] encountering You in relationship with others. You require it, or like I might die, or something? You’re getting warmer now. I enter fully into relationship with You when I surrender all of my needs, willingly. I have no sack to carry them in, so there’s that. Lord, what You’re saying is by doing this I have power to loosen the grip of attachments, drive out the sickness, doubts, distractions and disorders ─ all of the demons that seek to divert my steps on the path to eternity with You? And, I can do it for others? You reorder my steps, my thoughts, my priorities, my plans, and desires. To walk confidently in Your promises and trust in You ─ this is the only Way? To abide in You, I have to let go … of all of it? “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” 2 Cor 12:9. Okay, Lord. I say, Yes. I’m ready. I’m wearing my tunic, got my sandals, and holding on to my walking stick. I trust You. Let’s go.

“Lord, grant me the unrelenting grace to boldly say, ‘Jesus, I trust in You,’ and to embody every bit of what that [really] means, and the confidence in knowing You will do what You say You will do for all eternity. Amen.”